Aussies 7s re-sign five young guns

Lachlan Anderson, Charlie Taylor, Boyd Killingworth, Dylan Pietsch and Tim Anstee have all re-signed.

Killingworth and Anstee have signed through until the end of 2020 with the pair now setting their sights on the Tokyo Olympics.

Anderson has signed on until August 2018 while Taylor and Pietsch have extended theirs deals until August 2019.

Anstee, Anderson and Taylor were a revelation in the 2016/17 Sevens World Series after making their debuts under Andy Friend this season.

Australia sevens coach Andy Friend said: "These are five very important re-signings as we build to the Commonwealth Games and Sevens World Cup next year, as well as the Tokyo Olympics in 2020,"

"Boyd has been a pillar of strength for us this season while Dylan has really stepped up since making his debut in Wellington this year. And Charlie has added some fantastic finishing ability since crossing over from rugby league.

"Both Tim and Lachie have really impressed in their first season on the World Series, and have earned the right to gain full contracts. I see the pair of them being crucial members of the squad through to Tokyo.

"Tim has made his intentions known signing through to 2020, and I'm hoping Lachie will follow suit in the next 12 months,"

"We will continue to lock in talent ahead of the Dubai opener in December, but I’m also keeping one eye firmly fixed on giving more players opportunities in the off-season as we continue to grow the playing base," Friend said.

The Australia Sevens team finished sixth in the 2016/17 Sevens World Series, following a sixth-place finish in London last month.